Cyberpunk 2077 and transgressive failure | Intellect Skip to content
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Cyberpunk 2077
  • ISSN: 1757-191X
  • E-ISSN: 1757-1928

Abstract

This article employs the logic of discursive transgression to address critical readings of CD Projekt Red’s which argue for the game to be a genre failure. The narrative- and worldbuilding-focused criticism of the game, prominent in its reviews, can be seen as fuelled by ’s fallibility with regard to the functions of a literary formula and the interaction with the discursive expectations of the audience. By erasing, diminishing or mishandling themes central to current cultural and public debates, the game creates a near future vision in which they are deprived of relevance. As the article argues, the negative reception of that vision results in a transgressive revelation of discursive premises which become consolidated upon the confrontation with their disappearance. Thus, the game’s genre failure enables reflection on the significance of preconceptions in critical reception.

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2022-04-01
2024-04-26
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  • Article Type: Article
Keyword(s): cyberpunk; Cyberpunk 2077; discourse; failure; formula; reception; transgression
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